She just exploded in the passing lane!

In the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace, Southwind Prairie, a six-year-old Bettor's Delight offspring out of the Artsplace mare Prettytrickynikki, won in 2:00.2, for her first win of the 2010 harness racing campaign, for owner Karl T Schoeffel, here at Buffalo Raceway Friday night (April 9).

Capably driven by Jack Flanigen, Southwind Prairie ($11.00), was shuffled back to fifth, and stuck on the rail in the field of eight, as the early pacesetter Dwight’s Charlene (Jim McNeight) cut the early fractions, :30.2, 1:00.2, and 1:30.1. As the field hit the top of the stretch, Southwind Prairie snuck to the inside passing lane, and with a :29.4 last quarter-mile, just nipped the favorite in the race, Pembroke Primo (Kevin Cummings) by a head. Newberry Winner (Jamie Dunlap) came in third.

“She just exploded in the passing lane”, said Flanigen.

Trained by Steve Schoeffel, the $4,500 share of the winning purse put Southwind Prairie’s season bankroll at $7,770, and $217,813 lifetime.

In Friday’s $9,000 Open Trot, Redneck Reindeer ($13.60) went wire to wire in 2:01.3, to register his fifth win of the year for owner Betty Tauber.

It was a jump up in class for the Giant Hit offspring, who was cleverly driven by reinsman Ken Holliday. Australian Stock (Kevin Cummings) finished second, while Jack Sparrow (Jim McNeight) came in the show spot.

Trained by Sherri Holliday, the $4,500 share of the winning purse put Redneck Reindeer’s season bankroll at $25,111, and $233,712 lifetime.

Racing will resume on Saturday, April 10, with first post scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

Fans may enjoy fine food and drinks while playing their favorite horses: call the clubhouse reservation Line at (716) 646-6109, ext. 60149 to reserve a table. An operator will be available on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.